Scots missed two bumper gates

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33869, 14 June 1975, Page 4

Scots missed two bumper gates

(By

JOHN BROOKS)

With a capacity crowd' of 55.000 assured for the ' International Rugby match at Eden Park, Auckland, this afternoon, the New Zealand union can be certain of making a big net profit.

But although this is the first time a Scottish side has played a test on New Zealand soil, it is not the first occasion on which the N.Z.R.F.U. has harvested a substantial financial return from an All Blacks — Scotland match. In 1905 Mr G. H. Dixon, manager of the “Originals,” walked off with a bumper gate from the Rugby test at Inverleith — because of the stiff-necked, patron-

ising attitude of the Scottish union of the day. Before the tour of Britain began, the New Zealand union asked Scotland for a guarantee. But, scornful of the “Colonials,” and unaware of the brand of Rugby with which they were to dazzle Britain, the Scottish union refused the request. In the belief that the New Zealand team would have been beaten several times before the game against Scotland, with a consequent effect on the attendance, the Scots declared that New Zealand could have the whole gate. This condescending move back-fired on the Scottish union. The All Blacks reached Inverleith unbeaten. the ground was packed, and a smiling Mr Dixon made off with the bacon.

Although the outcome caused hard feelings among Scotsmen, it had nothing to do with the failure of the Scottish team to meet the all-conquering Alii Black side of 1924. The arrangements for the: tour were handled by the; Rugby Football Union —i the controller of the game; in England. The Scottish union’s view was that as a party to the tour it was! entitled to a voice in the making of arrangements. The R.F.U., however,! would not give way — and Scotland’s objections grew heated. The argument on a: point of principle continued, with neither side giving ground. Because of the wrangle, Cliff Porter’s great All Black side did not play the team which was probably the finest in Scottish his-: tory. In that season Scot-: land won the Five Nations’: championship, the Grand Slam; and the Triple! Crown, i